Panthers vs. 49ers: Betting odds, weather, injuries, top defenses
By Peter Panacy
The San Francisco 49ers host the Carolina Panthers in Week 8, and both teams feature some top-tier defenses. Niner Noise breaks down the betting odds, injuries and much more.
The 6-0 San Francisco 49ers will aim to stay undefeated in Week 8, as they host the 4-2 Carolina Panthers, who haven’t lost a game since quarterback Kyle Allen took over starting duties in Week 3.
The Niners are home favorites in this contest, but there is a lot more behind this matchup than just the odds. Both teams boast a particularly effective defense, especially in the pass-rush department, and Allen has yet to toss an interception this season.
Carolina is also tied for second in the league with 15 forced turnovers.
Panthers vs. 49ers: The Betting Odds and Lines
San Francisco has some comfortable odds for this contest, currently listed as 5.5-point favorites, courtesy of the Action Network. And it’s pretty clear the Niners defense affects the over/under is set at 42.
After all, the 49ers have allowed only 10 points combined over their last three games.
Carolina, meanwhile, is allowing an average of 22.2 points per game — ranked 15th in the league — yet have surrendered at least 20 points to opponents in five of their six matchups this year. But the Panthers also boast the NFL’s fifth-best scoring offense, while San Francisco comes in at 11 in this category.
Panthers vs. 49ers: The Weather
It’s common to see relatively warm weather in Northern California in late October, and that looks to be the case on Sunday.
The forecast at kickoff looks to be 69 degrees with just nine-percent humidity, clear skies and modest 10 mph winds.
If you’re going to be close to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara and want to check out the game, head over to StubHub and see what might be available.
49ers Key Injuries
The Athletic’s Matt Barrows reported wide receivers Trent Taylor (foot) and Jalen Hurd (back) aren’t likely to return from injured reserve anytime soon. It’s anyone’s guess whether or not this influenced the Niners’ decision to trade for former Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
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Left tackle Joe Staley (leg) has a shot to return to Sunday’s game, although backup tackle Justin Skule will be ready to take his stead if the former is unavailable. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) will still be out for a few more weeks.
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk (knee) cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (foot) are also not expected to play. Juszczyk is expected to be out for a while, and Witherspoon is slated to return later this month or early in November.
Panthers Key Injuries
Quarterback Cam Newton continues to nurse his foot injury, which has led to Allen starting. Head coach Ron Rivera already told reporters Allen would start versus the 49ers, and Newton will continue rehabbing after being limited in practice this week.
Offensive tackle Greg Little is still out with a concussion, while EDGE Brian Burns has been nursing a wrist injury.
Two Elite Pass Rushes
Both the Panthers and 49ers boast among the better pass rushes in the NFL entering Week 8.
San Francisco has gotten by mostly with a four-man pass rush, largely featuring EDGEs Nick Bosa and Dee Ford, who have combined for a total of 8.5 sacks. In total, the Niners have 20 sacks, which is tied for fifth best.
But Carolina enters this contest with a league-high 27 sacks, many of them split between Burns and veteran EDGE Mario Addison.
So it shouldn’t be a surprise the 49ers and Panthers rank first and seventh against the pass, respectively.
Both teams have had some issues defending the run, particularly the Niners giving up chunk yards on the ground early in games. They’re allowing an average of 4.1 yards per carry, which ranks 12th overall. Carolina, meanwhile, is averaging 4.7 rush yards against — good for 23rd.
That makes an interesting point, as both offenses feature a dynamic and potent rushing attack.
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As a result, the spread and odds in this game could be quite interesting, first seeing if the Panthers can cover and whether or not the 49ers win out against a hot Carolina squad, which doesn’t turn the ball over but takes it away, coming to town.